Golf Accessory Device

ABSTRACT

A golf accessory device that combines a cigar punch, a ball mark repair tool and a cigar/cigarette holder into a single compact device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the golf accessory device is comprised of a stake portion for insertion into the ground and/or repairing a ball mark or divot, a channel that is supported by said stake portion and that is useful for supporting a lit cigar or cigarette, and a punch for puncturing the end of a cigar to prepare the cigar to be enjoyed. The device enables a golfer to prepare his or her cigar during a round of golf, temporarily store the same in an elevated position above the surface of the ground to avoid contamination and repair ball marks in the surface of the putting green.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/621,141 filed on Apr. 6, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a combination golf accessory device that functions as a cigar punch, a ball mark repair tool and a cigar/cigarette holder.

BACKGROUND

Many golfers tend to enjoy a cigar or cigarette during a round of golf. However, once the cigar/cigarette is lit, there is typically no place for the golfer to store the same while taking his or her golf shot. For example, it could be dangerous to store the lit cigar or cigarette on the golfers golf bag or golf cart, because it could damage the same. It is also undesirable to store the cigar/cigarette on the ground because it could become contaminated with the chemicals and pesticides that are typically used to treat many fairways and/or putting greens on golf courses, or other contaminants such as animal droppings, garbage and the like. It is particularly important to avoid contaminating the cigar or cigarette given that the golfer must then place the cigar or cigarette back in his or her mouth to enjoy the same.

Additionally, when hitting a golf ball onto a putting green, many golfers will leave a hole or ball mark on the putting surface. Out of courtesy to other golfers and as a means of maintaining the overall appearance and integrity of the golf course, most golfers will repair ball marks with a separate ball mark repair tool before continuing on with their game. While tools exist for repairing said ball marks, there currently is no known combination device that functions as a cigar punch, cigar holder and a ball mark repair tool.

Consequently, there is a long felt need in the art for a combination cigar holder/punch and ball mark repair tool that enables a golfer to both temporarily and safely store his or her lit cigar off of the ground and repair ball marks as the golfer enjoys a round of golf. There is also a long felt need for a combination golf accessory device that serves the additional function of a cigar punch that can be used to prepare a cigar to be smoked by puncturing the end of the cigar. Finally, there is a long felt need for a single device that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a combination golf accessory device that not only enables a golfer to prepare a cigar to be smoked and temporarily store the same off of the ground while the golfer takes his or her turn, but that also functions as a ball mark repair tool. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the combination golf accessory device of the present invention is comprised of a stake portion for insertion into the ground and/or repairing a ball mark, a holder that is supported by said stake portion in an elevated position and that is useful for supporting a lit cigar or cigarette, and a punch for puncturing the end of a cigar to prepare the cigar to be enjoyed.

The combination golf accessory device of the present invention enables a user to prepare his or her cigar for enjoyment and temporarily and safely store the same in close proximity to the golfer and in an elevated position above a playing surface while the golfer takes his/her golf shot. The combination golf accessory device is also useful for repairing ball marks and divots on a golf course, particularly on a fairway and/or putting green. Finally, the golf accessory device of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the combination golf accessory device 100 of the present invention, which is comprised of a stake portion 110, a holder portion 140 and a punch 180. Unless otherwise stated, device 100 and each of its components is preferably comprised of a durable material that is relative flame resistant and not easily ignitable such as a metal, plastic, and the like. Additionally, device 100 may be integrally formed by an common means known in the art such as casting, forging, or may be comprised of individual components fixedly attached together. For example, stake portion 110 and punch 180 may be fixedly attached to holder portion 140 by any common means known in the art, such as welding, soldering, chemical bonding, through the use of an adhesive, etc.

Stake portion 110 is preferably a generally flat, elongated member comprised of a first end 112 and a second end 116. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, first end 112 is preferably comprised of two spaced apart prongs 1122 that are used to removably attach device 100 to the ground and/or for repairing a ball mark or a divot in the surface of the golf course, e.g., on a fairway or putting green. As previously stated, second end 114 may be integrally formed with or fixedly attached to holder portion 140 by any common means known in the art such as welding, soldering, chemical bonding, through the use of an adhesive, etc. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overall length of stake portion 110, as measured between first end 112 and second end 114 is preferably between one and three inches in length and the spacing between prongs 1122 at first end 112 is preferably between one and two inches to repair most ball marks or divots. In addition, the angle formed between stake portion 110 and holder 140 as shown in FIG. 2 is preferably between 45 and 90 degrees so that when stake portion 110 is inserted into the ground at an angle, holder portion 140 is generally parallel with the surface of the ground. Nonetheless it is also contemplated that other configurations and dimensions could also be use to suit user preference or a particular application without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. For example, it is also contemplated that stake portion 110 could be relatively perpendicular to holder portion 140.

Holder portion 140 is preferably an elongated channel 141 for receipt of a cigar or cigarette and is comprised of a first end 142 and a second end 146. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and in an effort to accommodate most shapes and sizes of cigars and/or cigarettes, the overall length of holder portion 140, as measured between first end 142 and second end 146, is between three and four inches, with a channel 141 diameter of between ½ and 1½ inches. Notwithstanding, it is also contemplated that other configurations and dimensions could also be used to suit user preference provided that channel 141 is capable of accommodating a cigar or cigarette.

As previously discussed, first end 142 of holder portion 140 may be integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the second end 116 of stake portion 110, as shown in the attached FIGS, with the goal being to position holder portion 140 approximately two to three inches above, and generally parallel to, the ground or playing surface. By maintaining the lit cigarette and/or cigar in an elevated position, and generally parallel to the surface of the ground, said cigar or cigarette is less likely to fall out of holder portion 140 or come into contact with chemicals and/or pesticides that may have been applied to the playing surface of the course.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 through 7, punch 180 is preferably located on the second end 146 of holder portion 140 and is useful for preparing a cigar to be smoked by puncturing an end of the cigar. Punch 180 can be any type of punch known in the art for puncturing the end of a cigar so that it may be smoked. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, punch 180 is preferably located on the underside 143 of holder portion 140 so as to not interfere with the placement or storage of a cigar and/or cigarette in the channel 141 of holder 140, and should extend outwardly from second end 146 of holder portion 140 by between ½ and ¾ of an inch so as to be capable of puncturing the tip of a cigar without holder portion 140 interfering with the same.

Having described the overall structure of an improved embodiment of the golf accessory device 100 of the present invention, it's use and usefulness will now be described. A user (not shown) desiring to enjoy a cigar 200 while playing a round of golf may use punch 180 to puncture the end or tip of cigar 200 in a manner that is well known in the art to create an opening 202 therein. The user (not shown) may then simply and easily insert first end 112 of stake portion 110 into the surface of the ground 300 such that holder portion 140 is approximately between two and three inches above, and generally parallel with, the surface of the ground or playing surface 300.

Once inserted into the ground 300, the user (not shown) may place the lit cigar and/or cigarette 200 in channel 141 of holder portion 140, as best illustrated n FIG. 7. Once the golfer (not shown) takes his or her swing and is prepared to move further along the course, the golfer can simply and easily remove the lit cigar from holder portion 140 of device 100, and device 100 from the ground 300. Additionally, the golfer may use prongs 1122 of stake portion 110 as a ball mark repair tool as he or she completes their round of golf.

Consequently, golf accessory device 100 combines three separate tools into a single compact device that is both safe and easy to transport and use. The device enables a user to puncture the end of a cigar to prepare the same to be smoked, and also enables the golfer to both temporarily and safely store his or her lit cigar off of the ground and repair ball marks and divots as the golfer enjoys a round of golf. Additionally, the device of the present invention may also be used as a club rest around the putting green. For example, many times a golfer needs to bring a sand wedge and a putter to the putting green. When one of said clubs is not being used, the golfer may rest the handle portion of the club on the device to keep the handle clean, dry and out of the sand. Finally, the device is aesthetically pleasing and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf accessory device comprising: a stake portion; and an elongated holder portion for receipt of a tobacco product.
 2. The golf accessory device of claim 1, wherein said golf accessory device further comprises a cigar punch.
 3. The golf accessory device of claim 1, wherein said stake portion further comprises a ball mark repair tool.
 4. The golf accessory device of claim 3, wherein said ball mark repair tool further comprises at least one prong.
 5. The golf accessory device of claim 1, wherein said holder portion is relatively parallel to a playing surface when the stake portion is inserted into said playing surface.
 6. The golf accessory device of claim 1, wherein said elongated holder portion is a channel.
 7. The golf accessory device of claim 1, wherein said tobacco product is a cigar.
 8. A golf accessory device comprising: a stake portion; a holder portion; and a punch.
 9. The golf accessory device of claim 8, wherein said stake portion further comprises a ball mark repair tool.
 10. The golf accessory device of claim 9, wherein said ball mark repair tool further comprises at least one prong.
 11. The golf accessory device of claim 8, wherein said holder portion is relatively parallel to a playing surface when the stake portion is inserted into said playing surface.
 12. The golf accessory device of claim 8, wherein said holder portion is a channel.
 13. The golf accessory device of claim 8, wherein said holder portion further comprises an underside portion and wherein said punch is positioned along and extends beyond said underside portion for insertion into a cigar.
 14. The golf accessory device of claim 8, wherein said holder portion further comprises an underside portion and wherein said stake portion is attached to and extends downwardly from said underside portion for insertion into a playing surface.
 15. A golf accessory device comprising: a ball mark repair tool for insertion into a playing surface; a channel portion, wherein said channel portion is supported by said ball mark repair tool in an elevated position above said playing surface; and a cigar punch.
 16. The golf accessory device of claim 15, wherein said ball mark repair tool further comprises at least one prong.
 17. The golf accessory device of claim 15, wherein said channel portion is relatively parallel to the playing surface.
 18. The golf accessory device of claim 15, wherein said channel portion further comprises at least one end and an underside and wherein said cigar punch is positioned along the underside and extends beyond said at least one end of channel portion.
 19. The golf accessory device of claim 15, wherein said ball mark repair tool further comprises two spaced apart prongs.
 20. The golf accessory device of claim 15, wherein said golf accessory device is comprised of a flame resistant material. 